Ex-Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov Faces 3 Years on Probation

Ex-Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov (c) faces 3 years on probation over blocking permits to use special surveillance devices. Photo by BGNES.

The prosecution has demanded 3 years on probation for Bulgaria's former Interior MinisterTsvetan Tsvetanov, Thursday.

Tsvetanov may also be banned from occupying senior government positions in the next three years, BGNES reports.

The ex Interior Minister is facing charges over blocking six permits to use special surveillance devices against Orlin Todorov, former head of the Interior's Chief Directorate Combating Organized Crime (GBDOP) in Veliko Tarnovo.

He has repeatedly claimed that he stopped surveillance orders to "restrict the use" of special devices, in a time when the media often accused his then-ruling GERB party of creating a "police state".

On Monday, Sofia City Court acquitted Tsvetanov who was also accused of large-scale embezzling of BGN 50 000 from the budget of the Interior Ministry. The sum was allegedly embezzled to the benefit of another person, Orlin Todorov.

Another trial against him is yet to kick off on Friday upon charges of illegal surveillance. Tsvetanov has pleaded not guilty on all charges, with his defense insisting they are politically motivated.

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